Building Loyalty: Retain and Inspire High Performing Teams - an Interview with Maricel Perez-Lovisolo and Lucia Leal-Pensabene of TELUS International

In the latest Fearless Female Leadership interview, I had the rare privilege of speaking with not one, but two inspiring women from TELUS International: Maricel Perez-Lovisolo, VP of Global Learning Excellence and Organizational Development, and Lucia Leal-Pensabene, Senior Learning and Enablement Manager. This unique conversation gave us a double lens—hearing both from an established executive leader and a rising star in the pipeline—on how to create environments where emerging female leaders can not only survive but truly thrive.

Maricel emphasized the power of accessibility, modeling open communication and psychological safety early on—even several levels down the org chart. For her, leadership means being approachable, available, and intentional about nurturing future talent, long before formal titles are earned.

Lucia spoke vulnerably and powerfully about the importance of seeing role models at the top. Early access to leaders like Maricel gave her not only feedback but also belief—belief that she belonged, that her leadership style was valid, and that she could succeed without mimicking outdated, aggressive norms. This belief became the foundation for her growth.

Their conversation illuminated a critical truth: retention and elevation of female talent requires both structural support from above and proactive clarity from within.

Key take-aways from the interview:

• 0:01:39 – Maricel shares the secret to retaining rising leaders: accessibility, open dialogue, and offering support before it’s requested.
• 0:03:35 – Lucia describes how early exposure to Maricel as a leader gave her the confidence to envision her own path to leadership.
• 0:04:56 – Maricel and Lucia highlight the power of role modeling and skip-level mentorship— leaders must look beyond their direct reports to spot and support rising talent early.
• 0:06:20 – One barrier to advancement: the confidence-competence gap. Maricel urges women to work on how they show up and own their voice.
• 0:09:40 – Lucia debunks the myth that leadership must be masculine—strong leadership comes in many authentic forms.
• 0:10:39 – Maricel champions coaching, mentorship, and custom development programs for women, while also acknowledging how our understanding has evolved over the last two decades.
• 0:12:29 – Lucia’s top tip: Learn to manage up. Understand your leader’s style, communicate clearly, and be explicit about your needs and goals.
• 0:16:06 – Maricel adds: Know what you want and market yourself accordingly. Career growth doesn’t happen in silence.
• 0:19:55 – Lucia reminds us that promotions are not the goal—becoming the person who’s ready for them is. Start learning now, no matter your role.
• 0:21:49 – Maricel encourages women to take an “energy inventory.” Promotions should align with the energy and impact you’re ready to give—not just a title.

If you’re interested in being featured on the Fearless Female Leadership podcast, or you’re a leader looking to gain clarity on ‘what’s next’, how to build more cohesive and high-performing teams, and lead with greater confidence and influence, let’s have a confidential conversation.

Cheering you on always!
– Sheryl